4. And this...

Oversized khaki shorts, white knee-high socks, a plaid shirt and the tattoos to match, a signature look for 'cholos' -- Japanese 'cholos.'

The fashion and tendencies behind the Chicano subculture -- originating in the Mexican-American empowerment movement of the 1940s through 1970s, but now often associated with Los Angeles street gangs -- has found a new home in East Asia. Stemming from the “lowrider” car culture popular in Japan , Tumblrs of Japanese 'cholas' and 'cholos' can now be seen around the internet. YouTube videos of Japanese 'cholos' with their arms raised high as they rap next to hopping cars and Japanese 'chola' artists, like MoNa a.k.a Sad Girl, can be heard mixing Spanish, English and Japanese in their music. . . .

But the Japanese affinity for Chicano culture seems to be making its mark in the United States as well, where music labels representing Chicano rappers have recognized the East Asia archipelago as an important market for their artists.

"Japan has been more of an avenue for profit," Jaime Diaz, President and CEO of Urban Kings Music Group told the OC Weekly. "We distribute to stores out there and it has helped us out a lot. Japan will be the first place to buy product from independent artists."

7. Japan has always supported

its own independent artists as well. One of those, I have had the honor to work with on occasions is the "Japan Nite" US concerts. New Japanese bands are chosen to come to the USA and tour various major cities, and when they go back to Japan they suddenly become famous for playing in the States. This kick started Chatmonchy, Red Bacteria Vacuum and My favorite band, JinnyOops.